Spin-Orbit Coupling: Positive & Negative Signs Explained

[asdf1]

why does spin-orbit coupling have a positive and negative sign?

 

[inha]

What exactly are you referring to?

 

[asdf1]

the spin orbit coupling in atoms that have more than one electron in modern physics...

 

[inha]

That part was obvious but were you referring to a specific formula like the SO-hamiltonian or something?

 

[asdf1]

no... sorry! my mistake! it's why does the z component of the spin angular momentum have a positive and negative sign?

 

[dextercioby]

You mean the eigenvalues, right...? Well, basically, group theory explains why...

Daniel.